The Bedouin Activist

A proud Israeli Bedouin questions American-Jewish apathy.

by Ismail Khald

Two years ago, a few proud Bedouin Israeli citizens like myself asked: what is our position and status in the State of Israel in the midst of its current situation? After all, Bedouins are part of Israel's success story. During current times, when Israel is being attacked and accused of being a racist state, an 'aggressor and an oppressor', we decided that the smallest and probably most effective thing we could do is to spread our story as part of Israeli society.

I, Ishmael Khaldi, am Israeli. I served with the IDF, with the Israel police, and with the Israeli Defense Ministry. In the last year, I have lost two Bedouin friends on army duty (God bless their memory) defending the State of Israel. My friends and family feel that we have a common destiny with the Jewish people in Israel: our grandparents created this land with Jewish immigrants who arrived during the 1920s, '30s and '40s to build a democracy.

Because of this connection to the State of Israel, I cannot stand on the sidelines during Israel's time of need. I feel that I must speak up and be heard.

I recently returned from a two-month campus speaking tour in North America, mostly organized by Hasbara Fellowships. This was the fourth tour I had done over the past year. I've traveled the United States coast to coast (of course, being a Bedouin nomad, I mainly took Greyhound!) and flew for a ten-day tour across Canada.

The tour was certainly miraculous -- a Bedouin shepherd who had never been to any major city before, all of sudden found himself in downtown Manhattan! It proved to be one of the most adventurous, challenging and enriching experiences of my life.

I came to the U.S. and Canada to speak on college campuses about Israel, as one who certainly holds a perspective that is rarely heard -- a proud Israeli that is not Jewish. I came to share one man's tale of Israel's culture, society and politics from the perspective of a Bedouin minority in the Jewish State.

Arriving in North America, committed to defending Israel from the poisonous venom of hatred and attacks that I had heard much about, I expected to see the same commitment on campuses among the Jewish students. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.

I had heard much about the struggle of pro-Israel student activists, attempting to counter the unbalanced, biased and false accusations made against Israel. I had not come to North America to preach that Israel was perfect. As all Israelis know, Israel has problems like all nations of the world. Still, many students tried to stop me from speaking. There were even students who had the audacity to compare me to Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, making false claims that I was doing the same for Israel.

The United States has always been described as being the 'land of the free' and a home for free speech. How can New Hampshire's slogan read, "live free or die" if the student union is allowed to ban me from telling a cultural story? I can't believe that the hatred for Israel is so strong that student governments are able to defy their own dignity as free American citizens, in order that the truth about Israel should remain a secret.

I was not as shocked by the Arab questioners as I was with the personal threats, and the severe apathy of the majority of Jewish students.

The deep-seated hatred manifested itself clearly throughout the country with the many loaded questions asked by anti-Israel students. For example, a Muslim student at Rutgers University completely ignored the fact that Israel is a free state and asked, "How could you support a Hebrew state if you're not Jewish?" Another questioner asked, "Don't you think that if Israel didn't exist, then the Palestinians wouldn't have any problems?"

In Milwaukee, I was asked, "How many Palestinian old men and women have you humiliated while serving in the Israeli police?" How can such a question be asked? Only if the truth were known, that Israeli soldiers have on many occasions helped Palestinians.

The situation I encountered on many of the campuses in North America and Canada was horrifying. I was not as shocked by the Arab questioners as I was with the personal threats, and the severe apathy of the majority of Jewish students.

In my years of speaking to people, I've never received threats or personal attacks like I did speaking on campuses. There were threatening incidents at both the University of Florida and at California State University. Both were chilling. The crowd in Florida was one full of anger and hatred, yet I had to stand before them unsure of the enemy who had sent threats earlier that day. In California I spoke facing a young student who wore a T-shirt with a swastika on it, chewing on a piece of paper as some sort of protest against my talk.

Even more upsetting, I expected to see many more Jewish students aware of the situation in Israel, but that wasn't the case. I expected the Jewish students to realize that the situation was not only affecting Israel and Israelis, but Jews all over the world.

On the other hand, the Arab students and their supporters knew almost all the last minute news clips from the Middle East. How can Israel's voice be heard if the Jewish students don't have the facts or the knowledge to speak up? I don't take the mass of Jewish students to task for not agreeing with all of Israel's policies, but I do take them to task for not caring about Israel or what happens there. It is the apathy which allows the anti-Israel propaganda to strengthen itself more and more over time.

As a personal aside, sixty years after the horrors of the Holocaust, Israel is going through one of the most critical times in its history. More than 60 years after my grandparents joined their destiny to that of the Jews coming to the Land of Israel, I feel that history is somehow moving backwards. Anti-Semitism and hatred towards Israel is soaring. Comparing me, a Muslim Bedouin who supports Israel, to the Nazis is just another clear piece of evidence.

History will not tolerate us if we keep our voice silent.

And yet, 60 years after the horrors of the Holocaust, I felt that on campus, the Jewish voice is silent. Where are the Jewish students fighting back? My commitment in these crucial days, while Israel is struggling for its right to exist, is to continue the heritage of my grandparents and to stand together to fight for the State of Israel.

History will not tolerate us if we keep our voice silent. We must roll up our sleeves once again to build a better future for Israel and all of its loyal citizens. Israel's right to exist is my right and my people's right, just as Israel's destiny is our destiny.

But just as history demands for me to fight for Israel, history also will not tolerate a generation of Jews who don't care.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 40

(40)
Janine/Yasmine Laura Bronson,
January 12, 2012 5:17 PM

Bravo, well said, Ismail Khald, I graduated from California State University Los Angeles, hardly any Jews there...

Bravo, well said, Ismail Khald. I recently graduated with my Master's degree from California State University Los Angeles during this past summer 2010, when there were hardly any Jews there at the time, or prior to that... An orthodox Jewish couple slept on our sofa in the salon the day of my Bachelor's of Science Graduation which was held on a Saturday morning (I was living on campus back then) with their little baby (they don't tend to drive on Shabbat) to attend the ceremony without breaking the laws of the Day-of-Rest (Shabbat, or Sabbath) and strongly felt anitsemitism, not only from hostile students, but professors as well, expressing their personal views that Israel be anihilated and not Iran, totally shocking me to my core, and I burst out crying not understanding how this could happen, and like you, when I attempted to speak up, got severe opposition, even death threats and was physically assaulted... Last year and this year I've been attending Jerusalem Peace Making tours and wish to write an article to share with the world! I too served in the Israeli (Zahal) Army and was at the National Defence College in Kfar Shmaryahu for two years, and am proud to be an Israeli, in fact have triple nationality (born in London England am British by birth, both Grandparents were from Great Britain, but have lived for dozens of years in America, even lived shortly in Norway, Canada, and up north as far as Alaska... I am attempting to learn Arabic, I speak some French, and a few words of other languages as well, but more importantly, I think I "speak" the universal language of peace and have an important message to share, and have coined a new word which is a verb, that is as follows: To "vee" and hope it catches on one day, soon!
Last summer I was at our Tabeetha Church of Scotland School reunion, and saw the lovely peace mural the school children are constructing on the wall... Hope to share more information soon!
Vee safe and sound!
Blessings
Yasmine (Janine)

(39)
Anonymous,
May 24, 2011 7:21 PM

obama

lets find out how many other dems agree with obama on israeli border

(38)
Nurit Greenger,
March 3, 2007 11:17 AM

We, Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors Los Angeles want to make contact the writer Ismail Khal

The untold Israeli Bedouin story; Israel is very proud of its Beduin citizenry.Bedouin, also Beduin is an Arab of any of the nomadic tribes of the Arabian, Syrian, Nubian, or Sahara.Many Beduin [in small] (mostly shepherds) tribes live all over Israel. Over the years they advanced; stopped moving around, rather stayed in one place and worked the land. They also became citizens and serve in the IDF. They send their kids to local school and some even achieved university degree.To help defending Israelâ€”and boy-oh' boy she needs a lot of help in this departmentâ€”from the constant attacks on her for being a racist state, an aggressor and an oppressor a group of Beduin decided that the most effective way to do this is to spread the Beduin story of being part of Israeli society.I was not as shocked by the Arab questioners as I was with the personal threats, and the severe apathy of the majority of Jewish students, says the writer--Ismail KhaldThe American campuses are promoting the 21st century neo-Nazi and anti Semitic movements! HELP DISSEMINATING THE TRUTH ONLY!

(37)
Monique Bental,
February 17, 2007 2:20 PM

We need more Imail Khald to remind us of the imminent danger we are facing once more!

It is appalling for me to read about the apathy of the Jewish students on campus. It reminds me so much of WWII, and after the war when we said "Never again."

(36)
Dr. Fredrica Mann Breidenstein,
July 3, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you ,Ishmael, for your commitment to action to preserve freedom and Israel.

Thanj you, Ismael, for taking an active role in spreading the truth about Israel as a democracy that embraces freedom and democracy within its borders and humanitarian concern for people everywhere, including helping its Palestinian neighbors, though their governments are hostile to the existence of Israel. Your writings are all the more inspiring because of your personal story woven throughout. Shalom, Freddy

(35)
Hannah Martin,
August 29, 2005 12:00 AM

encouraging

I deeply appreciated what you (Ismail) had to say and would like to talk more. I'm very interested to know how you were led to where you are and by whom. Hannah

(34)
Rhonda,
November 13, 2004 12:00 AM

Orthodox non-apathy

So many non-observant jews hate the Orthodox/observant Jews. Yet,the osservant community is always there to speak out and defend Israel. Our kids are raised with pride of Judaism and Israel.

(33)
Larry Paradise,
October 30, 2004 12:00 AM

Where are the 'Americans'?

Ishmael, I read your article with interest and enthusiasm. Seeing that you are not Jewish, yet support the state of Israel is very heartening to me. However, I feel that taking the Jewish students to task for being quiet while you were being attacked is, perhaps, not quite on target. The key problem appears to me to be the other 'so-called American' students that probably made up the majority of your audience. It was those students that should have risen up and handled those that were so callous in their actions. Unfortunately, the United States is having a difficult time right now remaining 'the land of the free' where people just naturally oppose that which they know is wrong. Feel blessed that you live in Israel. Though I'm not Jewish and not directly involved with the Christian churches, I do read the Bible (quite a few of them, in fact) , and know you are in the right place at the right time. I seriously support Israel and what all of you are doing. May God smile upon you and yours in everything and every way.

(32)
Anonymous,
October 29, 2004 12:00 AM

Florida University Gainsville FL.

Currently Florida University is interested in selecting a football coach at a possibe price of 3-5 million dollars.
Studetns would rather have their voices heard at Football games than defending Jewish causes and truths spoken by Mr. Khaldi, from Israel.

(31)
Elana,
October 28, 2004 12:00 AM

A great light in the darkness

It is a sham for us that we failed to educate our kids to know and to love our haritage.It is also known that Jews have a very short memory. When time is good they forget their past. It is about time that we all Jews will stand up and say enough is enough by keeping silence we are not helping no one but our enemies.I am willing to talked for and about Israel any time and I am very proud of beeing Jewish.

(30)
Ed,
October 28, 2004 12:00 AM

Amazing isn't it?

After seventy years of focusing on teaching our children about the Holocaust instead on the traditions and commandments of Judaism and the kids still can't get themselves up to defend Israel. I often wonder whether I made the right move by not sending my children to a more traditional Jewish school.

(29)
Deborah Courage,
October 28, 2004 12:00 AM

I will stand and speak for Israel

Why are you surprised at the defeaning silence of jews everywhere? Is not that the preferred response hoped for by the brainless masses hoping to defeat israel? You are right-by not making our voices heard, we are commiting genocide all over again.Speak up jews,let your voices be heard!What, are you going to live your lives hiding and denying who you are?? Israel is free, you are free,so act like you are free.If you are attacked for it, make a fist and fight back.Don't be afraid to let those dirty jew haters see what you are made of.

(28)
monique chronley,
October 28, 2004 12:00 AM

outstanding article,we wonder the same things

Unhappilly the Jewish Youth in this country is misuninformed and does not care enough about their roots and the state of Israel .We deplore this and i amongst many christians are firmly aware of the lies taught in this hour,
Bravo for speaking your mind.
awake awake American Jews.
We love Israel and we are behind your nation 100 %.
monique chronley

(27)
Jane JOnes,
October 27, 2004 12:00 AM

A small minority with a big voice

I am both glad that you were here on our college campuses to tell your story, and sad that you did not meet many who did not hold the views of our college students.
These views, I feel are largely the product of our Hollywood industry and the media, the voice of a few poisoning our young adults, most of whom do not understand the history of Israel. I am glad that you tried to stem the tide.
Thank you.

(26)
Aaron Rosloff,
October 27, 2004 12:00 AM

All Honor to the Bedouin

All honor to Mr. Ismail Khalid for showing such strength of character.

Thank you

(25)
Terry,
October 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Excellent article revealing truth!

Thankyou for sharing the truth and insight in your article and thankyou for traveling across the US and Canada to enlighten the people.
What a committment and sacrifice.
I am deeply concerned for the truth to be told of the events taking place in Israel.
Thankyou again for taking the time to share with the world, the truth. Todah Robah, Terry

(24)
Laurie Herlickman,
October 27, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank You! For Your Courage

Thank you for your courage in the face of a growing problem all around the world. We who love Israel, the Jewish People and the Islamic People, must stand up for the truth and not let the ugly hatred rule the day. Blessings on you!

(23)
Meredith,
October 26, 2004 12:00 AM

wake up call

How incredible that our apathy is the enemy, not another people or another religion.

(22)
Miryam,
October 26, 2004 12:00 AM

I completely agree

Ismail, May the Almighty Bless you for the work you have done and are doing to get the truth out for Israel. As an American Jew who supports Israel 100%, I too cannot understand the behavior coming from people you have just described, I too have faced the kind of attitude you received from people and I've been shocked and in disbelief. The media here is the US has been very biased against Israel,they have a feast staining the image of Israel and Jews,But what really gets me the most is that alot of Jewish people fail to realize how this also stains our image not only here in the US but around the world as well.

(21)
B Bennett,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank you; you are family

Thank you for showing such courage in defending your (our) country. May HaShem grant you and your loved ones long, healthy lives.

(20)
Amber,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

True but Sad

I have traveled to Israel many times and each time I come away with more delightful memories of how kind and sincere the Israeli people are eventhough I am not Jewish or Muslim. We enjoy going outside of the normal tourist areas and really seeing and interacting with the people. Thank you for painting a true picture of Israel here in the states and other countries, since it is one not many people ever see. May God Bless You.

(19)
Elaine Kosri,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

Our prayers unto G-d's throne of grace are with the Bedouin Israeli citizens. May HaShem protect their families as many defend the Sate of Israel. May G-d heal the broken hearts of those who have lost love ones on army duty.

Please send any information you believe will help change the apathy of Jewish students and how they can become more aware of the situation in the "Land" and no longer remain silent.

Thank you for supporting Israel

Elaine Kosri

(18)
Anonymous,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

There are Druz citizens who serve too

As a recent immigrant to Israel from the US, I have spent some time in the office of absorbtion. The guard for that office (because guards are common everywhere) is a Druz man. He served in the Israeli army for 20 years. He was given an honorable disability discharge and has further plans for his service to the state of Israel. What a bright and kind soul is he. It's not a surprise that these righteous gentiles do not get attention from the media but may their lives and their efforts on our behalf be blessed.

(17)
Linda,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

The hatred is againt God Himself

Because God is the one, who created Israel into being, it is not only Israel that is being hated in the U.S, but anything that has to do with God, or his ways.
The ridiclue is becoming worse, because we in the U.S. have not stood up against what is corrupting our peaceloving way of life.
Anything goes here, you can study witch craft in school, but you'd better not say anything about God, or rightous living, you'll be reported as not seperating church and state,( which the constitution is supposed to give you freedom for).
Do not be surprised in these last days, how the whole world will be against God and what he stands for.
This article has opend my eyes though, as to how bad it really is.

(16)
Marina Rivera del Aguila,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

All youths are "cool", nonchallant,, not just Jewish

Weekly,I traslate Nathaniel H. Leff's of Torah.org writings on Sfas Emes. Recently he wrote that the bite of a snake produces heat in the human body whereas the sting of a scorpion reduces it. Then he compared apathy (expressed by the excesive use of the word "cool") with the latter. So, maybe it is not only Jewish youths who are apathetic. Just look at the way most youngsters slump on chairs, instead of sitting up. Apparently, it is a malaise of our times. TV hs eaten up their spirits!

(15)
SHELDON PRUSS,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

ONE WORD SAYS IT ALL TO THIS YOUNG PATRIOT HERO----"BRAVO"1

(14)
Shira,
October 25, 2004 12:00 AM

The true children of Avraham

Even in the darkness of this hate that the Muslim Arabs carry for the Jews who are their cousins, the Beduins are the glimmer of light. I thank the Beduins who served in the army to defend us from the bottom of my heart. May Hashem bless them and keep them safe.

(13)
Jennifer Rudner,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

POWERFUL

I read your story with tremendous interest. Interesting to read "the other side". You are one very brave man. I wish you and your family shalom in the State of Israel. In South Africa, the young Jewish student committment and interest in the State of Israel is very strong. You are welcome to come and talk to us. Our youth have a very strong feeling towards the causes and peace in Israel.
Good luck in your endeavours. Keep up the good work.

(12)
LOU S>,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Excellent

Shame that in this country true thoughts are given such anti feelings.

(11)
Lindsay,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

America's Jewish college students are strong and proud...

Fortunately, your experiences are not the way life is on all college campuses. I apologize on behalf of my fellow college students for what you witnessed. But you should know that America's Jewish college students are strong and proud. We are part of Hillel, a Jewish youth organization that takes trips to soup kitchens, raises money for charitable foundations, and invites guest speakers to come to the college who will inform and discuss with us their views and the things that they do that affect the world around them, as well as other things that we can do that will positively affect our world. Sadly, there are too many students that support anti-semitic movements. That's why the sooner they know the truth, the better. When we stick together and try to do good things, only good things can result. We affect people with every thing we do, especially our words. We mustn't react with anger and violence- only with love and with reason. Good luck and may God be with you on your journeys.

(10)
isaac levy,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

i support what you wrotte, jews have the spirit of slumber.

father abraham would die if he was alive to see what is taking place between his two sons, isaac and ishmael, how can one brother harbor so much hate fore his brother, there are so many arab countrys with so many holy cites, but only one little piece of realestate and only one little holy city of jerusalem, but ishmael /the arabs wants that little piece of land also when they actualy have hundreds of squre miles of vacant land they can share with their brothers the palestinians.
the world jews are asleep just like they were in the days of babylon, like in the days of rome, like they were in the days of hitler, unless they wake up to reality it will be woese than the natzi war.

isaac

(9)
Anonymous,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Horrifying commentary

May G-d bless Mr. Khald. His comments are scary and serve as an indictment of American Jewry today.

(8)
Anonymous,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Sad situation among American Jewish students

Shalom and many thanks for a very brave exposition of the unfortunate situations you faced. I must apologize for the ignorance and nastiness; I feel this deserves wide publication.

(7)
Jose Nigrin,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Diaspora apathy?

The american apathy or elswhere, has to do with local Jewish security. American jews don't want to expose themselves to Israeli policies in the Middle East, by becoming targets, without living in Israel.They have to show their solidarity, to the country they were welcome, by not offending other anti-israeli groups living in the same country. In France there are more muslims, than french jews.They have to play it neutral in their dealings with the French nation. In the USA there are countless numbers, of different ethnicities, religions and people fron all the countries world wide. They have a commitment to behave with tolerance and respect to other people, otherwise they might get into trouble and discrimination too.Thats the reason why they don't act more drastically to expose their views. If they have problems, the only way out is going to Israel. Is safer to play it safe,that is not apathy, specially if they live well.

(6)
marie barakey,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

apathy

I am not surprised at what happened on American campuses.As a non Jew with quite a few Jewish friends ,I am constantly amazed at the apathy of so many Jews about what is clearly happening. Anti Israel propaganda is being spread in the media and on campus by so many biased sources including Arab proffesors that appear to hate Israel and preach anti Americanism psychology.Why doesnt Israel use the media more to show what is really happening? Also many Jews need to wake up and realize this is what happened before the holocaust. First a race of people are demonized and the rest could be a repeat of history.

(5)
Anonymous,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

A surprising tale from a brave young man

Despite the disappointing appraisal of contemporary Jewish life on campus, I was terribly inspired to read about a young Arab who considers himself part of the Israel that I know exists, one all too expediently ignored by journalists and bigots alike. Please continue to write about your experiences and share the truth. You're truly remarkable example of the best of humanity!

(4)
Anonymous,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Kudos - it takes alot of courage to do what you have done and continue to do...

(3)
Regina Blessing,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

humanism in favor of the violators

Teachers and Proffessors here in the U.S.A. have so brainwashed students. There does not seem to be a critical thinking. Most of the teachings have concentrated on the past and on 'soto'speak the evil of capitalism. Jewish student believe that today's Christians are out to erase all Jews and will not accept their support and friendship. Oh, I know about the converting thing. Let's face it no one can convert anybody that does not want to be. Our american Media, vying for a World Goverment that is intend to feed all people and bring peace to all people around the Globe, has even the most intelligent jewish student believeing that Israel is wrong. I can see why jewish people go for global peace and global prosperity for all. Afterall, Jews are a very giving caring people by nature, so it is understandable that they would be influenced in that way. But, we are leaving out the human factor. When we govern through a World Goverment, it is easier to discriminate and hide it. Who, will stand up for the condemned? We see, even today, with the current anti Bush Propaganda leading in the media, among students and Teachers and Proffessors, how Christians are hated, and anyone who has a different opinion. America through their very joung is loosing it's free voice. I believe before Israel would fall, (if, and I do not believe it will happen) Christianity will fall first. I believe in the Free State of Israel and all that has been promised to it. I believe after the election we will again hear from dissenting voices in favor of Israel, in favor of Jews.

(2)
Dr. Alex Pister,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

Bringing all Jews to Judaism is what's necessary

Ismail Khald wrote eloquently about his passion for the state of Israel. His shock at the apathy of Jewish students regarding his state is understandable. However, this apathy is really just a symptom of the real illness. Jews today are disappearing from Judaism at a breathtaking rate. Don't expect young Jews to have loyalty to a "jewish" state when they haven't got the slightest loyalty to Judaism. Without the clarity of the reality of the eternal, absolute truth of Torah and Mitzvohs as given by the Al-Mighty thousands of years ago to the Jewish people there is no hope of creating, sustaining or nurturing any sort of interest much less loyalty to such a state. Mr. Khald will accomplish far more by going to Jews all over the world and helping them to re-connect to authentic Torah based Judaism. Failing this he could at least work on Israeli youth to help bring them back to authentic Torah based Judaism. With the powerful anti-Torah forces working so strongly both throughout the world and in Israel there is an abundance of opportunity to effect change in the Jewish People's destiny. Israeli nationalism is a non-issue for young Jews because Judaism is irrelevant to their lives. The only true solution is for all Jews (and righteous non-Jews like Mr. Khald) who are aware of the truth of Torah to roll their up sleeves as he says in his article and attempt to bring all Jews young and old from all walks of life back to the Al-Mighty. Only then will the Jews and all the Nations merit the establishment of a safe, proper Jewish national homeland.

(1)
Steven,
October 24, 2004 12:00 AM

You are a hero unlike many Jewsih students in US.

This is something worth being talked about on CNN. You proved yourself to be a national hero of Israel and Jews all over the world. Sad it is because students in America are too busy building their carriers so they can buy expensive homes and vacation in Bahamas. Jewish students keep silent fearing some sort of threat to their well being that doesn't exist, it's an excuse to be left alone. They want an easy life without having to stand up for Israel. It is the state of Israel being a country that made the world respect us. We were nobodies before in every country, England, Germany, France, Poland and for some time in the US where Jews were not allowed to be profesors at Princeton and Harvard. Arab propaganda is at full speed in north america yet, Jews keep their silence as if nothing was going on.

One more time, I thank you for speaking up. Wish you luck in the future and in life as well.

My nephew is having his bar mitzvah and I am thinking of a gift. In the old days, the gift of choice was a fountain pen, then a Walkman, and today an iPod. But I want to get him something special. What do you suggest?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Since this event celebrates the young person becoming obligated in the commandments, the most appropriate gift is, naturally, one that gives a deeper understanding of the Jewish heritage and enables one to better perform the mitzvot! (An iPod, s/he can get anytime.)

With that in mind, my favorite gift idea is a tzedakah (charity) box. Every Jew should have a tzedakah box in his home, so he can drop in change on a regular basis. The money can then be given to support a Jewish school or institution -- in your home town or in Israel (every Jews’ “home town”). There are beautiful tzedakah boxes made of wood and silver, and you can see a selection here.

For boys, a really beautiful gift is a pair of tefillin, the black leather boxes which contain parchments of Torah verses, worn on the bicep and the head. Owning a pair of Tefillin (and wearing them!) is an important part of Jewish identity. But since they are expensive (about $400), not every Bar Mitzvah boy has a pair. To make sure you get kosher Tefillin, see here.

In 1944, the Nazis perpetrated the Children's Action in the Kovno Ghetto. That day and the next, German soldiers conducted house-to-house searches to round up all children under age 12 (and adults over 55) -- and sent them to their deaths at Fort IX. Eventually, the Germans blew up every house with grenades and dynamite, on suspicion that Jews might be in hiding in underground bunkers. They then poured gasoline over much of the former ghetto and incinerated it. Of the 37,000 Jews in Kovno before the Holocaust, less than 10 percent survived. One of the survivors was Rabbi Ephraim Oshri, who later published a stirring collection of rabbinical responsa, detailing his life-and-death decisions during the Holocaust. Also on this date, in 1937, American Jews held a massive anti-Nazi rally in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

In a letter to someone who found it difficult to study Torah, the 20th century sage the Chazon Ish wrote:

"Some people find it hard to be diligent in their Torah studies. But the difficulty persists only for a short while - if the person sincerely resolves to submerge himself in his studies. Very quickly the feelings of difficulty will go away and he will find that there is no worldly pleasure that can compare with the pleasure of studying Torah diligently."

Although actions generally have much greater impact than thoughts, thoughts may have a more serious effect in several areas.

The distance that our hands can reach is quite limited. The ears can hear from a much greater distance, and the reach of the eye is much farther yet. Thought, however, is virtually limitless in its reach. We can think of objects millions of light years away, and so we have a much greater selection of improper thoughts than of improper actions.

Thought also lacks the restraints that can deter actions. One may refrain from an improper act for fear of punishment or because of social disapproval, but the privacy of thought places it beyond these restraints.

Furthermore, thoughts create attitudes and mindsets. An improper action creates a certain amount of damage, but an improper mindset can create a multitude of improper actions. Finally, an improper mindset can numb our conscience and render us less sensitive to the effects of our actions. We therefore do not feel the guilt that would otherwise come from doing an improper act.

We may not be able to avoid the occurrence of improper impulses, but we should promptly reject them and not permit them to dwell in our mind.

Today I shall...

make special effort to avoid harboring improper thoughts.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...